Motor-driven cam-actuated electrical time switch mechanism



Aug. 31, 1965 J. E. WISER ETAL 3,204,052

MOTOR-DRIVEN CAM-ACTUATED ELECTRICAL TIME SWITCH MECHANISM Filed July 25, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet l w a N E1 INVENTORS JOSEPH E. WISER MES B. PUTTERBAUGH X .wM

ATTORNEY Aug. 31, 1965 J. E. WISER ETAL MOTOR-DRIVEN CAM-ACTUATED ELECTRICAL TIME SWITCH MECHANISM Filed July 23, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 w 2 W W f I 7 2 Q I 3F n. 4 ll 8 r INYTHHQR$ JOSEPH E. WISER JAMES B PUTTERBAUGH BY ATTORNEY 1965 J. E. WISER ETAL 3,204,052

MOTOR-DRIVEN CAM-ACTUATED ELECTRICAL TIME SWITCH MECHANISM Filed July 25, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet .3

L H y M WW, L 82 FIG, 4%)

E! H I Fm 4 1/01 36 E INVENTORS' JOSEPH E. WISER JA PUTTERBAUGH BY Fm. 5 mW/ ATTORNE Aug. 31, 1965 J. E. WISER ETAL 3,204,052

MOTOR-DRIVEN CAM-ACTUATED ELECTRICAL TIME SWITCH MECHANISM Filed July 23, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS JOSEPH E. WISER JAMES B. PUTTERBAUGH K [1 4/ JMQ ATTORNEY Aug. 31, 1965 J. E. WISER ETAL 3,204,052

MOTORDRIVEN CAM-ACTUATED ELECTRICAL TIME SWITCH MECHANISM Filed July 23, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS JOSEPH E. WISER JAMES B. PUTTERBAUGH ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,204,4l52 MOTOR-DRIVEN CAM-AGTUATED ELECTRICAL TIME SWITCH MECHANISM Joseph E. Wiser and James B. Putterbaugh, Indianapolis,

Ind, assignors to P. R. Mallory & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., a corporation of Delaware Filed July 23, 1963, Ser. No. 296,974 Claims. (ill. 200-38) This invention relates to timer or program selector switches and has particular reference to such switches including means and methods for controlling time cycle initiation in devices such as domestic washing machines, automatic dishwashing machines, and similar appliances.

In many contemporary machines featuring automatic operation, and particularly in domestic appliances, there is an ever increasing demand for versatility of cycle programming. In the case of automatic Washing machines, for example, it is customary to soak the fabric, wash with soap, and then to finally spin-dry the same in accordance with a definite program set forth in the construction of the time switch. In many cases, however, it is necessary to provide therein a multiplicity of cycle programs capable of accommodating variations in fabrics, variations in soil condition of apparel, variations in quantity of wash load, etc. With reference to only the wash cycle, for example, it is desirable to adjust the duration of that cycle to correspond to the type of material and the character of apparel under treatment. This alone requires a plurality of separate programs.

Since a time switch assembly ordinarily has only one revolution or 360 degrees throughout which it may operate without cycle repetition, it therefore becomes necessary to incorporate all the required programs within that angular travel. The angular spacing between adjacent programs will obviously diminish in relation to the number of programs to be accommodated in a given machine application. Hence, the need arises for accurately distinguishing the respective starting points so that the desired cycle or cycles may be established without error. To accomplish this end, an expedient method is to predetermine particular starting points in the cycle of operation so that the elapsed time of operation may be varied in accordance with the nature of the fabric being treated. To provide electrical circuit selection during starting point establishment would be especially advantageous.

Accordingly, in the present invention there is disclosed a means for accurately and conveniently selecting various starting points within the cycle of a timer. A multiplestop pushbutton mechanism herein affords a dual purpose, viZ., to establish an interference path between the appropriate stop members, and to arm the circuit select switches of the forthcoming cycle program. A circuit interlock device cooperates therewith to prevent operation of the timer or the machine until the correct starting point is definitely established. This interlock feature precludes the creation of erroneous and possibly damaging cycles of the machine to which the timer is adapted. Furthermore, to assure that the desired cycle has been properly selected by the operator, another program cannot be commenced until either a new pushbutton has been depressed or the timer shaft has been rotated to the prevailing starting point.

Movement and location of the adjustable starting point establishing member in the present invention is accomplished directly from a cam surface on the pushbutton key without necessity of complex interconnecting linkages. Manual rotation of the timer knob assembly brings a stop projection thereon into an interference path with the adjustable stop member, the latter having been positioned by the pushbutton key. Upon release of the timer knob assembly, the stop projection thereon is in- 3,204,052 Patented Aug. 31, 1965 stantaneously clear without the necessity of indexing the timer shaft.

One embodiment of the present invention, chosen herein for illustrative purposes, employs three pushbuttons and two starting positions. It is particularly adaptable in that form for use wtih an automatic dishwashing machine. The scope of the present invention, however, is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and it will be readily observed that the number of pushbuttons and starting points available herein is limited only by space require ments and practical mechanical considerations.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a manually operated mechanism which establishes starting points Within the cycle of a program timer while arming the appropriate circuit switches at the same time.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a circuit interlock device in cooperation with the starting point establishing mechanism whereby the timer cannot operate until the starting point is clearly established.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an efiicient pushbutton means for establishing the desired cycle starting point while precluding the inadvertent selection of a spurious starting point thereunder.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an efficient means for releasing the rotatable stop member after the desired starting point has been engaged.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a positive means of cycle termination whereby inadvertent restarts cannot occur.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a starting point establishing mechanism design which is readily adaptable to cooperation with conventional electromechanical time switch structures.

Yet another object of the present invention is to povide a starting point establishing mechanism which is adapted to contain a plurality of pushbutton selectors and stop members.

The present invention, in another of its aspects, relates to novel features of the instrumentalities described herein for teaching the principal object of the invention and to the novel principles employed in the instrumentalities whether or not these features and principles may be used in the said object and/ or in the said field.

Other objects of the present invention and the nature thereof will become apparent from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying figures of the drawing and wherein like reference characters described elements of similar function therein and wherein the scope of the invention is determined rather from the dependent claims.

In the drawings:

FfGURE 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the pushbutton mechanism of the present invention adapted to cooperate with a conventional electromechanical time switch assembly.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view showing the pushbutton mechanism of FIGURE 1 integrated with a conventional electromechanical timer assembly.

FIGURE 3 is a view in section taken along line 33 of FIGURE 2, illustrating the carnming and locking action resulting from depression of a typical pushbutton key.

FIGURE 4(a) is a perspective view showing the timer knob and stop knob camming surfaces.

FIGURE 4(1)) is an elevational view of the timer knob assembly in the passive position upon a fragmentary portion of the timer shaft.

FIGURE 4(0) is an elevational view of the timer knob assembly in the activated position upon a fragmentary portion of the cam-operated timer switch assembly.

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of the pushbutton key, lever, and stop mechanism of the present invention with the cam-operated .timer switch and other parts removed for clarity.

FIGURE 6 presents an enlarged fragmentary plan View of the lever and stop activity caused by manual rotation of the timer knob.

FIGURE 7 presents an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the lever and stop activity occuring during cycle termination.

Generally speaking, the present invention discloses a mechanism which atfords accurate selection of a desired starting point within the cycle of a timer while simultaneously actuating the circuit switches included in the selected program. A discrete stop member is moved to a determined location by camming action of a pushbutton key. Thereupon, a rotatable and slidable knob device causes introduction of a stop projection into an interference path with the discrete stop member. A unique circuit interlock device prevents program intiation until the desired starting point is definitely established. To normally terminate the activated program, a cam-operated release lever reopens the circuit interlock device, thereby interrupting electrical power to the timer. To intentionally abort an activated program, manual depression of another pushbutton key will likewise reopen the circuit interlock. Latching and unlatching means cooperate with the pushbutton keys to allow only a single key to be retained in the depressed position at a given time. This invention is adapted to accommodate a plurality of starting points and a plurality of programs within the cycle of a conventional timer.

Referring now .to the drawings and, more specifically, to FIGURE 1 therein, the pushbutton mechanism of the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 11). For purposes of clarity, pushbutton mechanism 16 has been inverted such that the pushbuttons are disposed on the underside thereof. Main mounting plate 11 constitutes a primary structural component herein whereby mechanism is affixed to the complete timer embodiment shown in FIGURE 2. With continued reference to FIGURE 1, four spacer posts, shown typically at 12, serve to locate the respective parallel plates of pushbutton mechanism 10. Positioning plate 13, which is in juxtaposition with main mounting plate 11, contains slotted holes 14- which permit transverse movement. Shoulder 15 on spacer post 12 retains positioning plate 13 in contiguity with main mounting plate 11.

With further reference to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, lock plate 16 is disposed above positioning plate 13 in parallel relationship therewith. Slotted holes 17 in lock plate 16 allow transverse movement of the latter while vertical support is afforded by retaining rings on the underside of lock plate 16 engaging a groove in spacer posts 12. Above lock plate 16 is located guide plate 18 which is solidly retained to spacer posts 12 by virtue of shoulders 19 and retaining rings 20. Rear mechanism plate 21 constitutes the uppermost member seen in FIGURE 1, said plate also being located by spacer posts 12 and retained by means of nuts 22. Upon rear mechanism plate 21 are mounted circuit select switches 23, 24 and 25, retained typically by screw 26.

The illustrative embodiment of pushbutton mechanism 10, as seen in FIGURE 1, embraces three depressable keys 27, 28 and 29, each having a pushbutton afiixed thereto. Pushbutton 30 can be observed on key 29. Keys 27, 28, and 29 are so dimensioned as to be allowed to pass up and down between the aforementioned plates, and notches on each key are individually biased against lock plate 16 by separate torsion springs 31. On the antipushbutton end of keys 27 and 28 is a recess 32 which cradles the cross members of switch actuator T bar 33. The vertical travel of T bar 33 is piloted by suitably dimensioned slots in guide plate 18 and main mounting plate 11 to insure that it properly depresses plunger .34 of circuit selection switch 23 when either key 27 or key 28 is pressed.

In the particular embodiment of FIGURE 1, T bar 33 provides a center attachment point 'for tension springs 35 and 36. The purpose of spring 35 is to bias positioning plate 13 against camming surfaces 37a, 37b and 37c of keys 27, 28, and 29, respectively. Similarly, spring 36 biases lock plate 16 against camrning surface 38 on the opposite edge of the same keys. Alternatively, a single tension spring which bypasses T bar 33 could produce the desired result. Details of the key camrning surfaces will he subsequently discussed in connection with FIGURE 3. Broadly stated, however, said keys have suitable camming surfaces so dimensioned as to locate positioning plate 13 in a predetermined position when the respective keys are depressed, and to shift lock plate 16 in such a manner as to release a previously depressed key and thereupon retain the newly-depressed key in the active position. The geometry of camming surface 3? is identical on each key; however, the geometry of camming surfaces 37a, 37b, and 37c will vary according to the respective amount of movement of positioning plate 13 desired in response to pushbutton deflection.

With continued reference to FIGURE 1, simultaneous actuation of circuit select switches 2 and 25 by depression of key 29 is atiorded by means of actuation pin 39 which is adapted to engage respective switch plungers 49 and 41. Pivotally attached to positioning plate 13 by stud 43 is positioning lever 42. On the other end of positioning lever 42 is stop finger 4 which projects through an aperture in main mounting plate 11 at a determined location. Tension spring 45 serves to bias positioning lever 42 in a rotational manner against a stop created by stud 46 against slot 47. Positioning lever 42. passes under start switch actuator lever 43 and adjacent to actuator tab 49 of switch actuator lever 48. Switch actuator lever 48 is retained to the inside of main mounting plate 11 by virtue of studs 50 and 51 which are so dimensioned as to allow said actuator lever free travel along slots 52 and 53, respectively. Contact section 54 is adapted to depress plunger 55 to energize start switch 56, a normally open switch.

The third functional lever of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGURE 1, is release lever 57 which passes under switch actuator lever 48 and is connected to lock plate 16 through stud 58. Guide stud 59 in main mounting plate 11 constrains the other end of release lever 57 while slots 6d and 61 afford transverse movement of said lever. Tension spring 62, which is anchored to main mounting plate 11, serves to bias lock tab 63 of release lever 57 against switch actuator lever 48. During operative conditions, lock tab 63 will engage locking notch 64. On the end of release lever 57 is stop finger 65 which projects through the aperture in main mounting plate 11 at a determined location.

FIGURE 2 of the drawing shows pushbutton mechanism 10 of the present invention integrated with a conventional electromechanical timer assembly. To main mounting plate 11 has been afiixed a cam-operated switch assembly indicated generally by reference numeral 66. Retention to plate 11 is afi'orded by four nuts, shown typically at 67. Circumferential slots in plate 11 adj..- cent to nuts 67 facilitate clock setting and alignment. Electric motor 65 provides time-driven rotation of the camshaft which is housed within switch assembly 66, and timer knob 69 is mounted on the upper end of said camshaft. Lower support for cam-operated switch assembly 66 and motor 68 is facilitated by timer rear plate 70 which is fixedly attached to rear mechanism plate 21.

FIGURE 3 is a view in section taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2 and addressed in the direction of the arrows. The carnming and locking action resulting from depression of pushbutton 311 is illustrated in FIGURE 3. The solid lines therein depict the depressed position of key 29 while the dotted lines signify the released position. Because pushbutton 311 has been depressed, positioning plate 13 was urged by camming surface 370 on key 29 in a direction indicated by the appropriate arrow. Positioning plate 13 thereupon rests on peak 71 as shown. Lock plate 16, however, has moved in the opposite direction through urging of camming surface 38 and then returned to its initial position by virtue of notch 72 which locks key 29 in the depressed position as shown.

With further reference to FIGURE 3, in order to release key 29 from its locked condition, it is only necessary to depress another key. Thereupon, camming surface 38 of the newly selected key urges lock plate 16 in the direction of the arrow, thus displacing it from notch 72 on key 29. Torsion spring 31 then urges key 29 to assume a released position depicted by the dotted lines of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 4a presents a perspective view of timer knob 69 and stop knob 73 which cooperate with pushbutton mechanism heretofore discussed. Timer knob 69 features three angled protrusions 74 on the underside thereof. Stop knob 73, composed of a low friction and durable material such as polytetrafiuoroethylene, contains three ramped slots '75 corresponding geometrically to protrusions 74 on timer knob 69. Stop knob 73 and timer knob 69 are each radially piloted by a center hole which fits the outside diameter of timer shaft 76, and stop knob 73 further contains a radial slot 77 which engages drive pin 78 in timer shaft 76. Thus, it can be noted that only stop knob 73 is rotationally connected to timer shaft 76. Timer knob 69, although piloted by timer shaft 76 and restrained thereon in axial relationship, is not able to impart direct rotation to timer shaft 76.

Referring now to FIGURE 4(b) of the drawing, timer knob 69 and stop knob 73 are seen in juxtaposition on a fragmentary section of timer shaft 76 as the upper part of cam-operated switch assembly 66. Compression spring 79 exerts an upward force against stop knob 73. Therefore, in the absence of manual torque being applied to timer knob 69, stop knob 73 remains in contiguity with timer knob 69. Angled protrusions '74 are then fully engaged with ramped slots 75. Affixed to the underside of stop knob 73 can be observed two protrusions or stops, 81 and 82, each located at a determined radius with respect to the axis of rotation. Stops 81 and 82 will later be seen to cooperate with stop finger 44 in furtherance of the present invention. Stop finger 44, it will be recalled, is one of two extremities of pushbutton mechanism 10 illustrated in FIGURE 1. Cam lobe 85, which is also integral with stop knob 73, is positioned to strike stop finger 65, the second extremity of pushbutton mechanism 10, thereby performing another function in the present invention.

With reference now to FIGURE 4(a), a new relationship of parts is observed as a result of manual torque being applied to timer knob 69 in the direction of the arrow. Because timer knob 69 is axially retained to timer shaft 76, the camming action resulting from torque application urges stop knob 73 to descend away from timer knob 69 as illustrated. This downward movement depresses line switch actuator 83, thereby opening the contacts of normally closed line switch assembly 84. At the same time, stop 81 and stop 82 are lowered into a potential interference path with stop finger 44. Radial positioning of stop finger 44 with respect to timer shaft 76 determines whether stop 81 or stop 82 causes interference therewith during manual rotation of stop knob 73. Details of this interference action Will be described hereafter.

In FIGURE 4(a), it will be observed that the lower end of compression spring 79 rests timer front plate 30. The spring rate of compression spring 79 may be carefully chosen so that when the desired amount of deflection is obtained, the frictional drag of angled protrusions 74 within ramped slots 75 will be great enough to overcome the rotational resistance of timer shaft 76. Thereupon, further rotation of timer knob 69 will drive timer shaft 76 through stop knob 73 and drive pin 78, and

angled protrusions 74 will not be caused to overrun ramped slots 75. In addition thereto, a mechanical stop may be provided which will create a bottoming action at a determined deflection of stop knob 73, thereby assuring that angled protrusions 74 cannot escape from ramped slots should the rate of compression spring 79 be substantially reduced, or in the event of a sizable increase in drag torque on cam-operated switch assembly 66.

With the foregoing description of the structure of the present invention in mind, the following analysis of operation Will serve to illustrate the novelty therein. With reference to FIGURE 1 of the drawing, pushbutton mechanism 10 is seen in the initial or off condition of activity with keys 27, 28, and 29 fully released. Arbitrarily, assume that key 29 is elected to be depressed pursuant to a desired function of the timer embodiment. As key 29 travels in the direction of its arrow, camming surface 370 contacts the edge of positioning plate 13 and displaces it in the direction of the respective arrow for a distance determined by the throw of said camming surface. Because positioning lever 42 is connected to positioning plate 13, it will travel a like distance, thereby carrying stop finger 44 into the radial path of a particular stop on stop knob '73. Depression of key 29 also causes camming surface 38 thereon to engage the edge of lock plate 16 and move said plate a determined amount in a direction indicated by the appropriate arrow. Upon full depression of key 29, lock plate 16 will become lodged in notch 72 of key 29, thereby locking said key in the depressed position. Depression of key 29 has also caused actuation pin 39 to close the contacts of circuit select switches 24 and 25, thus setting up the desired machine function cycle.

Referring now to FIGURE 4(0) of the drawing, the description of operation will be continued. The initial step of pushbuttom depression having been accomplished, the next procedure affects timer knob 69. As timer knob 69 is manually rotated in the direction of the arrow, stop knob 73 is forced downward, thereby opening the contacts of line switch 84 and cutting all electrical power to the timer.

FIGURE 5 will now serve to illustrate the commencement of lever and stop activity with respect to pushbutton mechanism It Cam-operated switch assembly 66 has been removed for clarity, as have some portions of pushbutton mechanism 10. Manual rotation of timer knob 69 in the direction of the arrow has brought stop 82 into an interference path with the extended position of stop finger 44 indicated by dotted lines. It will be recalled that the depression of key 29 caused stop finger 44- to assume said position while positioning lever 42 moved according to the directional arrow.

FIGURE 6 presents an enlarged fragmentary view of the lever and stop activity caused by manual rotation of timer knob 69. Advancement of stop 82 in the direction of the arrow ultimately causescontact with stop finger 44 on positioning lever 42. Further adavncement of stop 82 causes positioning lever 42 to be rotated about stud 43 through an angular displacement indicated by the dotted lines. Because positioning lever 42 is in contiguity with actuator tab 49, start switch actuator lever 48 is urged in direction substantially perpendicular to that of positioning lever 42, thereby actuating and closing start switch 56. The timer does not start at this point, however, because line switch 84, which is in series with start switch 56, is still open, thus interrupting power. It is noted that total travel of levers 42 and 48 and timer knob 69 is limited by slots 52 and 53 bottoming on studs 50 and 51, respectively.

With continued reference to FIGURE 6, the aforementioned rotational advancement of stop 82 has also displaced cam lobe 85, since both members are part of stop knob 73. The new position of cam lobe 85 is signified by the appropriate dotted lines. Accordingly,

tension spring 62 has urged release lever 57 to assume a new position closer to stop knob '73 by virtue of stop finger 65 having ceased contact with cam lobe and having returned to the dwell surface. Lock tab 63 of release lever 57 can thereupon engage locking notch 64 of start switch actuator lever 4 5, preventing return of the latter to its initial position.

Inability to further rotate timer knob 69 signifies to the operator that the selected starting point has been reached, whereupon timer knob 69 is released. Upon said release, stop knob 73 returns to its initial axial position in contiguity with timer knob 69, as illustrated in lGURE 4(b) of the drawing. This action removes stop 82 from the interference path of stop finger 44, allowing positioning lever to return to its original location under the influence of tension spring 45. Furthermore, the retraction of line switch actuator 83 causes line switch S4 to close, thereby completing the power circuit and permitting cam and switch assembly 6% to advance electrically through its selected cycle.

Referring now to FZGURE 7 of the drawing, timedriven rotation of timer shaft '76 has caused stop knob 73 to revolve almost 360 degrees with respect to the displacement shown in FlGURE 6. During this period of rotation, start switch 55 has remained energized by virtue of the mechanical lockup allorded by engagement of lock tab d3 within locking notch 64, and by virtue of stop finger 65 riding the dwell surface of stop knob 7'3. Timedriven rotation continues until a predetermined cycle termination point is reached whe eupon cam lobe 85 strikes stop finger 65, as indicated by the dotted lines of FlG-' URE 7. The resulting camming action drives release lever 57 away from stop knob '73 in the direction of its arrow, thereby releasing start switch actuator lever 4-8, opening start switch 56, and interrupting electrical power to the timer.

If the same machine cycle as hereinbefore described is selected by the operator at the next use of the machine, it is only necessary to rotate timer knob 69 to the same starting point and the cycle will be repeated. The knob, lever, and stop finger activity will be exactly repeated.

However, if a different cycle is desired at the next machine usage, another key must then be depressed. According to the nature of the new cycle and the means of attaining its operation, stop finger 44 may or may not be introduced into the radial path of stop 82 again. To clarify this point, reference may be made again to FIGURE 1 of the drawing. Therein it is observed that the depression of either key 27 or key 28 will activate a single circuit select switch 23. Hence, to derive a distinctive result from the depression of each button, it follows that camming surface 37a of key 27 must create interference of finger M- with one particular stop such as stop 82, while camming surface 371) of key 28 must create interference with the other stop, viz., stop 81. Therefore, if the newly-selected cycle calls for depression of key 27, stop finger 44 will assume the same location heretofore described for depression of key 29, viz., in interference with stop 82, and the variation in cycle function will arise not from a new starting point, but rather from a new electrical circuit selection. Hence, it is seen how versatile the present invention becomes in the matter of circuit selection and starting point selection.

Another feature of the present invention is found in the ability to select a new cycle during the progress of another cycle. In such a case, it is merely necessary to depress the desired key and manually re-torque timer knob 69. Depression of a new key retracts lock plate 16, releases start switch 56, and cancels the progressing cycle. Manual rotation of timer knob 69 sets up the next starting point and the new cycle is commenced according to conditions just established.

The pushbutton mechanism of the present invention, as hereinbefore described in one of its embodiments, is merely illustrative and not exhaustive in scope. Since many widely different embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interposed as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. In a mechanism for establishing a starting point of a selected program within a cycle of a timer: an apertured mounting means; a shaft rotatably journalled to said mounting means; a plurality of post means fixedly coupled to said mounting means; a slidable and apertured plate means maintained in spaced parallel relationship with said mounting means by said post means; a displaceable means interfitting with said apertures of said mounting means and said plate means, said displaceable means including camming surface, said camming surface for deflecting said slidable plate in response to a displacement of said displaceable means; a discrete stop member coupled to said plate and displaceable into an interference path when said displaceable means is displaced; and a rotatable control means carried by said shaft, said control means including a stop projection, said control means introducing said stop projection into said interference path with said discrete projection when said control means is rotated, engagement of said two projections establishing a starting point for said timer.

2. ln a mechanism for establishing a starting point of a selected program within a cycle or" a timer: an apertured mounting means; a shaft rotatably journalied to said mounting means; a plurality of post means fixedly coupled to said mounting means; a slidable and apertured plate means maintained in spaced parallel relationship with said mounting means by said post means; a displaceable means interfitting with said apertures of said mounting means and said plate means, said displaceable means including a camming surface, said camming surface for deflecting said slidable plate in response to a displacement of said displaceable means; a discrete stop member coupled to said plate and displaceable into an interference path when said displaceable means is displaced; a rotatable and slidably retractable control means carried by said shaft, said control means including an axially-restrained floating member and an axially-slidable torque member, said torque member having a cam lobe and a plurality of stop projections, said torque member introducing one of said stop projections into said interference path with said discrete projection when said control means is rotated, engagement of said two projections establishing a starting point for said timer; a normally open circuit interlock means closing to introduce electrical power to said timer when said starting point is established; a slidable release lever coupled to plate means and displaceable therewith, said lever including a cam follower portion juxtaposition said torque member, rotation of said torque member causing said release lever to be displaced by said cam lobe engaging said release lever, said displacement of said release member terminating said program by causing said circuit interlock means to open.

3. In a mechanism for establishing a starting point of a selected program within a cycle of a timer: an apertured mounting means; a shaft rotatably journalled to said mounting means; a plurality of post means fixedly coupled to said mounting means; a slidable and aperture plate means maintained in spaced parallel relationship with said mounting means by said post means; a depressable key interfitting with said apertures of said mounting means and said plate means, said key including a camming surface, said camming surface for deflecting said slidable plate in response to a depression of sai key; a discrete stop member coupled to said plate and displaceable into an interference path when said key is depressed; and a rotatable control means carried by said shaft, said control means including a stop projection, said control means introducing said stop projection into said interference path with said discrete projection when said control means is rotated, engagement of said two projections establishing a starting point for said timer.

4. In a mechanism for establishing a starting point of a selected program within a cycle of a timer; an apertured mounting means; a shaft rotatably journalled to said mounting means; a plurality of post means fixedly coupled to said mounting means; a plurality of slidable and apertured plate means each maintained in spaced parallel relationship with said mounting means by said post means; a depressable key interfitting with said apertures of said mounting means and said plate means, said key including a camming surface, said camming surface for deflecting a first slidable plate of said slidable plates in response to a depression of said key; a discrete stop member coupled to said first plate and displaceable into an interference path when said key is depressed; a second slidable plate of said plurality of plates for latching said key in said depressed position; and a rotatable control means carried by said shaft, said control means including a stop projection, said control means introducing said stop projection into said interference path with said discrete projection when said control means is rotated, engagement of said two projections establishing a starting point for said timer.

5. In a mechanism for establishing a starting point of a selected program within a cycle of a timer: an apertured mounting means; a shaft rotatably journalled to said mounting means; a plurality of post means fixedly coupled to said mounting means; a plurality of slidable and apertured plate means each maintained in spaced parallel relationship with said mounting means by said post means; a plurality of depressable keys interfitting with said apertures of said mounting means and said plate means, each of said keys including a plurality of camming surfaces; a first camming surface of said plurality of camming surfaces for deflecting a first slidable plate of said slidable plates in response to a depression of a key of said depressable keys; a discrete stop member coupled to said first plate and displaceable into an interference path when said key is depressed; a second'slidable plate of said plurality of plates for latching said key in said depressed position; a second camming surface of said keys for displacing said second plate to unlatch said depressed key upon depression of another of said keys; and a rotatable control means carried by said shaft, said control means including J a stop projection, said control means introducing said stop projection into said interference path with said discrete projection when said control means is rotated, engagement of said two projections establishing a starting point for said timer.

6. In a mechanism for establishing a starting point at a selected program within a cycle of a timer: an apertured mounting means; a shaft rotatably journalled to said mounting means; a plurality of post means fixedly coupled to said mounting means; a plurality of slidable and apertured plate means each maintained in spaced parallel relationship with said mounting means by said post means; a plurality of depressable keys interfitting with said apertures of said mounting means and said plate means, each of said keys including a plurality of camming surfaces; a first camming surface of said plurality of camming surfaces for deflecting a first slidable plate of said slidable plates in response to a depression of a key of said depressable keys; a discrete stop member coupled to said first plate and displaceable into an interference path when said key is depressed; a second slidable plate of said plurality of plates for latching said key in said depressed position; a second camming surface of said keys for displacing said second plate to unlatch said depressed key upon depression of another of said keys; a rotatable control means carried by said shaft, said control means including a plurality of stop projections, said control means introducing one of said stop projections into said interference path with said discrete projection when said control means is rotated, engagement of said two projections establishing a starting point for said timer; and a normally open circuit interlock means closing to introduce electrical power to said timer when said starting point is established.

7. In a mechanism for establishing a starting point of a selected program within a cycle of a timer: an apertured mounting means; a shaft rotatably journalled to said mounting means; a plurality of post means fixedly coupled to said mounting means; a plurality of slidable and apertured plate means each maintained in spaced parallel relationship with said mounting means by said post means; a plurality of depressa'ble keys interfi-tting with said apertures of said mounting means and said plate means, each of said keys including a plurality of camming surfaces; a first camming surface of said plurality of camming surfaces for deflecting a first slidable plate of said slidable plates in response to a depression of a key of said depress-able keys; a discrete stop member coupled to said first plate and displaceable into an interference path when said key is depressed; a second slidable plate of said plurality of plates for latching said key in said depressed position; a second camming surface of said keys for displacing said second plate to unlatch said depressed key upon depression of another of said keys; a rotatable control means carried by said shaft, said control means including said control member cam lobe and a plurality of stop projections, said control member introducing one of said stop projections into said interference path with said discrete projection when said control mean-s is rotated, engagement of said two projections establishing a starting point for said timer; a normally open circuit interlock means closing to introduce electrical power to said timer when said starting point is established; a slidable release lever coupled to said second plate and displaceable therewith, said lever including a cam follower portion juxtaposition said torque member, rotation of said torque member causing said release lever to be displaced by said cam lobe engaging said release lever, said displacement of said release member terminating said program [by causing said circuit interlock means to open.

8. 'In a mechanism for establishing a starting point of a selected program within a cycle of a timer: an apertured mounting means; a shaft rotatably journalled to said mounting means; a plurality of post means fixedly coupled to said mounting means; a plurality of slidable and apertured plate means each maintained in spaced parallel relationship with said mounting means by said post means; a plurality of depressable keys interfitting with said apertures of said mounting means and said plate means, each of said keys including a plurality of camming surfaces; a first camming surface of said plurality of camming surfaces for deflecting a first slidable plate of said slidable plates in response to a depression of a key of said depressable keys; a discrete stop member coupled to said first plate and displaceable into an interference path when said key is depressed; a second slidable plate of said plurality of plates for latching said key in said depressed position; a second camming sur face of said keys for displacing said second plate to unlatch said depressed key upon depression of another of said keys; a rotatable and slidably retractable control means carried by said shaft, said control means including an axially-restrained floating member and an axiallyslidable torque member, said torque member having a cam lobe and a plurality of stop projections, said torque member introducing one of said stop projections into said interference path with said discrete projection when said control means is rotated, engagement of said two projections establishing a starting point for said timer; a normally open circuit interlock means closing to introduce electrical power to said timer when said starting point is established; a slidable release lever coupled to said second plate and displaceable therewith, said lever including a cam follower portion juxtaposition said torque member, rotation of said torque member causing said release release lever, said displacement of said release member terminating said program by causing said circuit interlock means to open.

9. In a mechanism for establishing a starting point of a selected program within a cycle of a timer: an apertured mounting means; a shaft rotatably journalled to said mounting means; a plurality of post means fixedly coupled to said mounting means; a plurality of slidable and apertured plate means each maintained in spaced parallel relationship with said mounting means by said post means; a plurality of depressable spring biased keys interfitting with said apertures of said mounting means and said plate means, each of said keys including a plurality of camming surfaces; at first camming surface of said plurality of camming surfaces for deflecting a first slidable plate of said slidable plates in response to a depression of a key of said depressable keys; a discrete stop member coupled to said first plate and displacable into an interference path when said key is depressed; a second slidable plate of said plurality of plates for latching said key in said depressed position; a second camming surface of said keys for displacing said second plate to unlatch said depressed key upon depression of another of said keys; a rotatable and slidably retractable control means cairied by said shaft, said control means including an axially-restrained floating member and an axiallyslidable torque member, said torque member having a cam lobe at a predetermined radial location and a plurality of stop projections at predetermined circumferential locations, said torque member introducing one of said stop projections into said interference path with said discrete projection when said control means is rotated engagement of said two projections establishing a starting point for said timer; a normally open circuit interlock means closing to introduce electrical power to said timer when said starting point is established; a slidable release lever coupled to said second plate and displaceable therewith, said lever including a cam follower portion juxtaposition said torque member, rotation of said torque member causing said release lever to be displaced by said cam lobe engaging said release lever, said displacement of said release member terminating said program by causing said circuit interlock means to open.

10. In a mechanism for establishing a starting point of a selected program withina cycle of a timer; and apertured mounting means; a shaft rotatably journallcd to said mounting means; a plurality of post means fixedly coupled to said mounting means; a plurality of slidable and apertured plate means each maintained in space parallel relationship with said mounting means by said post means; a plurality of depressable torsion spring biased keys interfitting with said apertures of said mounting means and said plate means, each of said keys including a plurality of camming surfaces; a first camming surface of said plurality of camming surfaces for deflecting a first slidable plate of said slidable plates in response to a depression of a key of said depressable keys; a discrete stop member coupled to said first plate and displaceable into an interference path when said key is depressed; a second slidable plate of said plurality of plates for latching said key in said depressed position; a second camming surface of said keys for displacing said second plate to unlatch said depressed key upon depression of another of said keys to abort a selected program, a rotatable and slidably retractable control means carried by said shaft, said control means including an axially-restrained fioating member and an axially-slidable torque member, said torque member having a cam lobe at a predetermined radial location and a plurality of stop projections at predetermined circumferential locations said torque member introducing one of said stop porjections into said interference path with said discrete projection when said control means is rotated, engagement of said two projections establishing a starting point for said timer; a normally open circuit interlock means closing to introduce electrical power to said timer when said starting point is established; a slidable release lever coupled to said second plate and displaceable therewith, said lever including a cam follower portion juxtaposition said torque member, rotation of said torque member causing said release lever to be displaced by said cam lobe engaging said release lever, said displacement of said release member terminating said program by causing said circuit interlock means to open.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,086,351 4/63 Boyless 200-38 X KATHLEEN H. CLAFFY, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Examiner. 

1. IN A MECHANISM FOR ESTABLISHING A STARTING POINT OF A SELECTED PROGRAM WITHIN A CYCLE OF A TIMER: AN APERTURED MOUNTING MEANS; A SHAFT ROTATABLY JOURNALLED TO SAID MOUNTING MEANS; A PLURALITY OF POST MEANS FIXEDLY COUPLED TO SAID MOUNTING MEANS; A SLIDABLE AND APERTURED PLATE MEANS MAINTAINED IN SPACED PARALLEL RELATIONSHIP WITH SAID MOUNTING MEANS BY SAID POST MEANS; A DISPLACEABLE MEANS INTERFITTING WITH SAID APERTURES OF SAID MOUNTING MEANS AND SAID PLATE MEANS, SAID DISPLACEABLE MEANS INCLUDING CAMMING SURFACE, SAID CAMMING SURFACE FOR DEFLECTING SAID SLIDABLE PLATE IN RESPONSE TO A DISPLACEMENT OF SAID DISPLACEABLE MEANS; A DISCRETE STOP MEMBER COUPLED TO SAID PLATE AND DISPLACEABLE INTO AN INTERFERENCE PATH WHEN SAID DISPLACEABLE MEANS IS DISPLACED; AND A ROTATABLE CONTROL MEANS CARRIED BY SAID SHAFT, SAID CONTROL MEANS INCLUDING A STOP PROJECTION, SAID CONTROL MEANS 